Synthesis of CuCrO2-TiO2 composite nano powder by a self-combustion glycine nitrate process

Abstract

In this study, we report the preparation of CuCrO2-TiO2 composite by a self-combustion glycine nitrate process. The effects of glycine-nitrate ratios on the phase evolution and surface area of CuCrO2-TiO2 composite nanopowders were investigated. The precursor solution was prepared by adding glycine-nitrate in different ratios to an aqueous solution of Cu-Cr metal nitrates and titanium (IV) isopropoxide. The structures of the prepared powders were confirmed by X-ray diffraction, SEM and TEM studies. Moreover, the diffraction studies of the cotton-like CuCrO2-TiO2 (GN = 1.7) showed the tetragonal anatase phase of TiO2 and the rhombohedral phase of CuCrO2. These studies confirmed the nanosized nature and porous structure of the CuCrO2-TiO2 composite. The specific surface area of the nanopowder was measured using BET analysis. Increasing the GN ratio (1.5–2) decreased the specific surface area (51.2 m2/g to 21.7) due to particle grain growth.